UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 2 Research Projects

Project Number: CY2-OSU-OU-04
Project Title: Hey-SPTC: A Conversational Chatbot for Oklahoma DOT Specifications and Research Reports
Performing Institutions: Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma
Principal Investigators: Deb Mishra, Oklahoma State University; Kenneth Hobson, Syed Ashik Ali and Musharraf Zaman, University of Oklahoma
Proposed Start and End Date: 10/01/2024 to 01/15/2026
Project Description: The objective of this research project is to develop a specialized chatbot, named “HeySPTC”, that will facilitate rapid retrieval of information from Oklahoma DOT (ODOT) specifications as well as research and task order reports. This chatbot will be hosted on a publicly accessible server, and will help all stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, planners, as well as the general public.  

Just like any other DOT, ODOT is currently facing challenges in making important information readily accessible, with research outcomes and departmental specifications often scattered across various documents. This can lead to delays and inefficiencies in decision-making processes. By developing a centralized and easy-to-use chatbot, this project seeks to address these issues by streamlining how information is disseminated and accessed. The chatbot will utilize advanced natural language processing technology to understand and respond to user queries quickly and accurately. The project will involve several key phases, including gathering requirements from ODOT stakeholders, selecting the appropriate technology platform, developing the chatbot, and creating a comprehensive database of ODOT’s resources. The chatbot will be trained to handle a wide range of inquiries, followed by rigorous testing before deployment. Additionally, workshops and instructional materials will be provided to help users become familiar with the new tool.
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